Biography

Transactions

Selected as a third round (83rd pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in 2010.

2013 (Falcons)

Started 15 games while tallying a career-highs with 54 total tackles (42 solo) and 5.0 sacks. Also added six tackles for loss and two passes defensed. Ranked second on the team with 5.0 sacks and was one of eight players to post multiple sacks in 2013. Notched three tackles (two solo) with one sack, dropping QB Geno Smith for a 10-yard loss vs. the New York Jets (10/7). Notched his third sack of the season, dropping QB Carson Palmer for a nine-yard loss at Arizona (10/27). Also added seven total tackles (three solo) and one tackle for loss. Combined with DE Jonathan Massaquoi (1.5), LB Paul Worrilow (1.5), and S William Moore (1.0) to total five sacks at Green Bay (12/8). Finished the game with six tackles (five solo) one quarterback hit, one sack and one tackle for loss. Posted his career-best fifth sack of the season when he dragged down QB Colin Kaepernick on a third-down play in the first half at San Francisco (12/23).

Transactions

Selected as a third round (83rd pick overall) draft choice by Atlanta in 2010.

2013 (Falcons)

Started 15 games while tallying a career-highs with 54 total tackles (42 solo) and 5.0 sacks. Also added six tackles for loss and two passes defensed. Ranked second on the team with 5.0 sacks and was one of eight players to post multiple sacks in 2013. Notched three tackles (two solo) with one sack, dropping QB Geno Smith for a 10-yard loss vs. the New York Jets (10/7). Notched his third sack of the season, dropping QB Carson Palmer for a nine-yard loss at Arizona (10/27). Also added seven total tackles (three solo) and one tackle for loss. Combined with DE Jonathan Massaquoi (1.5), LB Paul Worrilow (1.5), and S William Moore (1.0) to total five sacks at Green Bay (12/8). Finished the game with six tackles (five solo) one quarterback hit, one sack and one tackle for loss. Posted his career-best fifth sack of the season when he dragged down QB Colin Kaepernick on a third-down play in the first half at San Francisco (12/23).

Career

Has emerged as a stalwart member of the defensive line in his first four seasons with the Falcons, starting 53 of the 56 games in which he has appeared. Has recorded 140 tackles (107 solo), 9.0 sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, and seven passes defensed. Played in 10 games with eight starts after spending the first six weeks of the season on the Reserve/Non-football injury list. Recorded 21 tackles (15 solo) with one forced fumble, and one pass defensed in 2012. Helped anchor a defensive line that produced 46 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, which ranked tied for seventh in the NFL in 2012. Played a key role in the defensive line rotation and helped Atlanta rank fifth in the NFL in scoring defense last season, allowing 18.7 points per game in 2012. Started all 15 games in which he appeared in 2011. Posted 33 tackles (26 solo) with 3.0 sacks, one interception, two passes defensed. Scored his first career touchdown after recovering a fumble and taking it back 13-yards for a score against Jacksonville (12/15/11). Part of a defense that ranked sixth in the NFL in rushing defense in 2011, holding opponents to 97.0 rushing yards per game. Made an immediate impact in his rookie season playing in all 16 games with 15 starts. Contributed with 40 tackles (31 solo), one sack and one pass defensed.

Extra Points

Named the Atlanta Falcons 2011 Walter Payton Man of the Year for his off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence. Peters and 2012 Man of the Year P Matt Bosher were honored by the WellStar Foundation at its annual Gridiron Gala for their commitment to giving back to the community. In 2013, took part in the Mother’s Day/Father’s Day Shop at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta as well as the 4th annual Huddle Up for Miracles hosted by Head Coach Mike Smith. Kicked off 2011 by attending the Falcons’ September 11 commemoration event, where he by participated in surprise visits to Atlanta Fire Departments. Also attended the 3rd annual Atlanta Falcons Dazzle & Dine event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2010, a participant in the Atlanta Falcons Rookie Club sponsored by UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, this program gives the players the opportunity to take part in several charitable events. In December 2010, the Falcons defensive line treated children from the Atlanta Urban Ministries to a holiday shopping spree at a WalMart in the city. The players ate dinner and shopped with the children.

College

A three-year starter on the Kentucky defensive line who contributed with 146 career tackles (83 solo), 27 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries. Was a two-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree in 2007 and ‘08. Was named Kentucky’s Most Improved Defensive Player by the team’s coaches in 2007.

Personal

Attended Central High School (Louisville, Kentucky) and was a four-year letterman and three-year starter on the defensive line. Was a first-team all-state choice as a senior by the Louisville Courier-Journal and second-team all-state by the Associated Press. Was one of the nation’s top-25 defensive tackle prospects by Rivals.com. Totaled 91 tackles, 15 sacks, three interceptions, five forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and seven passes defensed his senior season. Part of a Central team that went on to the state playoffs all three years, with a best finish of 10-3 and a trip to the state quarterfinals his junior year. Played in the Kentucky-Tennessee High School All-Star Game. A native of Louisville, Kentucky.